tests, supportive treatment, medications, supplements, doctor visits

What went wrong? Two cancers in three years… in a 40-year-old, healthy, slim woman. A mother, wife, and photographer. Every day taking care of her own health and that of her disabled child. Seems impossible? But it is.

I learned this painfully from my own experience.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with medullary carcinoma – a very rare, malignant thyroid cancer. Since this type of cancer usually does not respond to chemotherapy, I was only offered surgery. Fortunately, thanks to early detection (WES genetic testing of the child) and a low histopathological grade, it was cured.

It seemed to me then that thanks to preventive tests I had “cheated fate” and won life. However, I did not know that this was only an “introduction” – a kind of preparation before the real fight…

Year 2024. I felt the almost 4-centimeter lump myself during my monthly self-examination. The ultrasound done two months ago was "clean". Only doctors believe it, because they know how aggressive my "tenant" is. Other women just nod their heads... I have the impression that they don't realize how fast and ruthless cancers can be. Unfortunately, sometimes that's just how it is...

"Triple-negative metaplastic breast cancer with squamous cell element, KI 100%, with lymph node metastases."

After chemotherapy, the tumor grew to over 5×5 cm and the lymph nodes to 3 cm, and within two weeks they had enlarged to the size of a small ball…

Less than 1% cases of breast cancer. Once again I was told that it is a very rare cancer, with a high risk of recurrence.

Aggressive treatment was started immediately: 12 cycles of white chemo, 4 red + immunotherapy – half a year. Unfortunately, despite numerous side effects (including hair loss, anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), the treatment did not work as it should, so the cycles were shortened. The mastectomy with complete lymph node dissection was also accelerated – the doctors reacted immediately and the operation took place practically overnight.

The margins were clean – 0.1mm… Even the surgeon who gave me the histopathology results was a bit surprised. There was hope…

After the surgery, it was planned radiotherapy. I paid for it with severe pneumonia (four antibiotics), brown, burned skin, pain from injured muscle, nausea, vomiting and great weakness. And distant complications are still ahead of me…

Since my "tenant" turned out to be a bigger "old man" than expected - he was growing despite chemotherapy - I got even more half a year of oral chemotherapy for the "finishing touch". I pray that it will be effective in 100%, because with my reaction to conventional treatment my chances are not great... But are!

Chemotherapy makes me barely eat, I lose weight (I already weigh 49 kg), I have nausea, vomiting, hand-foot syndrome, thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, brain fog... I will say this - I would give everything material to have be able to live normally, raise my son and feel good in my body.

But unfortunately money is very much needed now, more than ever. Just testing circulating cancer cells and stem cells costs more than 4 thousand zlotys, and should be performed regularly…

Those who know me on a daily basis know that I am a "good soul" and have been through many hard trials in my life. First 9-year fight for son's health, and then – twice now – about his own.

Despite these experiences and difficult days I have no intention of giving up.

You can live without breasts and thyroid! But only now do I really feel the meaning of the words that "I have someone for". For my loved ones, but also for myself. I still have so many dreams and ideas to fulfill… Although I am already afraid to plan.

Unfortunately, my illness took away my ability to work. My beloved work as a photographer stopped being my daily life (I hope – temporarily), and the insurer refused to pay compensation for illness, despite years of paying contributions - because it's my second cancer.

We have already spent tens of thousands of zlotys on research and treatment support... I am afraid that this time it will be too many for us.

I'm tired. What's next? We'll see... I have to pull myself together, gather strength and move on, because I have no intention of giving up!

We are constantly looking for solutions, researching, supporting my immunity as much as we can… I have great doctors, great support from loved ones, family, friends, neighbors and even clients! For that I am extremely grateful.

And your support is for me real help – both financial and mental. Thank you!

Remember – good comes back!

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